Meloni starred in Law & Order: SVU for 12 seasons, but announced last month that he won't be returning to the drama. He recently provided the voice of Hal Jordan in the animated Green Lantern: First Flight.

Man of Steel is written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer and Nolan. Charles Rovan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder also are producing. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are executive producers. Filming is expected to begin next month.

Update:Vulture has word from Meloni that he'll be playing a general in Man of Steel, and will "shoot his part over the course of five months in locations including Chicago, Vancouver, and Edwards Air Force Base."